George Civil and Structural Engineering MEng Honours
Why did you choose Newcastle University?
I chose to come to Newcastle University based on its fantastic reputation as a great place to study and brilliant place to live.
What do you think of your course so far?
The course is challenging, but hugely rewarding. After two years on the course I know I have met some lifelong friends. The main enjoyment for me comes from hands on experience in the labs and workshops that we do regularly, and in the lectures where you feel as though you are learning something that will be very useful in the future when graduating as an engineer. It is always nice to be able to connect the theory with the reality!
Seeing a real-life scenario through from an idea to an end result is a great feeling. One individual project was to design a road between two non-fictional villages in Northumberland. We were given free reign and just the concepts learnt during lectures and we had to choose the best route (in keeping with British Standards), draw it, calculate earth works and finally conclude a cost estimation, while always reasoning our decisions.
Is there anything that has surprised you about either the course or University, which you didn’t know about before you came here?
Cash prizes given out by the course!
What are the facilities in your school like?
The School is constantly being upgraded. We have two computer suites, a lab, a large common room and a good workshop for playing with concrete.
Tell us about any field trips or project work you have taken part in
First year included a trip to the beach to look at rock and sand samples, and a group project of designing an eco-town. For our stage 2 group project we designed a bridge to cross the Tyne. We have regular site visits, including one to Edinburgh recently.
How would you describe the city?
The city has all the facilities you would expect of a huge city, yet still manages to make you feel like you are in a small community. It is clean and safe and I always look forward to coming back.
Do you have any tips for living in student accommodation?
Make as many friends as possible, you never know who’ll be a useful contact in the future!
Where do you live and what is it like?
I live in Spital Tongues, a little up from Richardson Road and Castle Leazes. It’s a small area surrounded by fields, yet just a short walk into the town centre. Very close to the University, cheaper than Jesmond and the house we live in is fantastic (with an exceptional landlord)!
How do you spend your spare time?
I go to the gym, play sports and play guitar with my housemates. We also like to go to the many pubs, bars and clubs in the city on occasions.
What is the best thing about being at Newcastle University?
The lifestyle is second to none. University is a must-do experience, and there is no better city to spend some of the best years of your life in. The University has a worldwide reputation, and you will feel at home in no time.
